32yo mom to apply to DDS

[Momof2tobeDDS]

Been a science teacher since 2004. Only course not taken in undergrad that is required for DDS school is organic II which I am taking during a summer session this July.

Q1: really weak in organic and gen since I've taught middle school bio based classes my whole career. Best books to use to study?

Q2: graduated undergrad 2004, have two children under two, science gpa around 3.3. Since then have also completed my MBA. Where is a realistic list of schools to apply to?

Q3: where should letters of rec come from since my undergrad was nearly a decade ago?

Q4: want to take DAT in August after completing organic II. Is it realistic to expect admissions for 2013 school year?

---

Members don't see this ad.

 

[HotandCold]

Been a science teacher since 2004. Only course not taken in undergrad that is required for DDS school is organic II which I am taking during a summer session this July.

Q1: really weak in organic and gen since I've taught middle school bio based classes my whole career. Best books to use to study?

Q2: graduated undergrad 2004, have two children under two, science gpa around 3.3. Since then have also completed my MBA. Where is a realistic list of schools to apply to?

Q3: where should letters of rec come from since my undergrad was nearly a decade ago?

Q4: want to take DAT in August after completing organic II. Is it realistic to expect admissions for 2013 school year?

Well... you're on the premed forum, so I cant answer 2-3, or anything about the DAT, but when I reviewed for the MCAT, I used the 5th edition of Organic Chemistry (Wade) which is pretty cheap on ebay. It's probably the simplest presentation of Orgo you'll find.

Best of luck

You'll find more stuff for DDS here: http://forums.studentdoctor.net/forumdisplay.php?f=17

 

[hopeful22213]

Most people find Klein's Organic Chemistry as a Second Language very helpful. It's broken into a separate book for orgo 1 and 2 and should be much cheaper than a textbook.

 

[TriagePreMed]

Most people find Klein's Organic Chemistry as a Second Language very helpful. It's broken into a separate book for orgo 1 and 2 and should be much cheaper than a textbook.

+1 Great books.

 

[jsp132]

+2 I agree great books

 

[Stixx0203]

I am a 33yo mom of two (5 y/o and 3 y/o). I just got accepted to San Antonio Dental. PM me if you have questions about the process. 🙂 good luck!

 

[ghostman]

My gf prepared for the DATs while I prepared for the MCATs, so I do have some insight into the prep.

Q1: really weak in organic and gen since I've taught middle school bio based classes my whole career. Best books to use to study?

FYI. Kaplan's MCAT Gen Chem and Organic chem review books are near identical to Kaplan DAT versions. For me, this was sufficient. But I also had a decent grasp of Chem. I know a lot of people also felt Chad's videos were helpful. I've seen a few of his lectures and they were pretty clear in their explanations.

Q2: graduated undergrad 2004, have two children under two, science gpa around 3.3. Since then have also completed my MBA. Where is a realistic list of schools to apply to?

A 3.3 science GPA is on the low side. You're going to have to perform well on your DATs in all areas. I can't give you a list, but I'd apply broadly. State schools are not necessarily easier to get into as it is with medical school. Since dental schools aren't ranked and state schools are much more affordable, they end up with a lot of competitive applicants.

Q3: where should letters of rec come from since my undergrad was nearly a decade ago?
Are you getting a committee letter? If not, you will have to find at least two science professors who can write a LOR for you. One can be your Organic II professor if you perform well, but you'll have to find those professors from a decade ago and ask. I graduated in 2004 as well, so I know it can be done. You should also make sure that the schools your apply to don't set a time limit on pre-req courses, such that you'd have to retake them prior to matriculation.

Q4: want to take DAT in August after completing organic II. Is it realistic to expect admissions for 2013 school year?
It's possible, but you're on the later half of the application timeline. Unlike the MCATs, you get your DAT score immediately after the exam. Prepare all your applications, essays, etc. so they are ready once you get your official scores.